Once you’ve adjusted to life with your hearing aid, it becomes an indispensable part of your daily regimen. The likelihood of a malfunction can be worrysome, as it presents not only a disturbance to daily life, but also a substantial financial burden in the form of repair or replacement expenses.
How to best care for your hearing aid
By being aware of the potential threats that can harm your hearing aid and taking steps to care for it properly, you can protect its performance and continue to enjoy the increased quality of life it offers.
Practical care of batteries
The performance of your hearing aid depends substantially on its battery. Thus, it is essential to select the right batteries for your device. Consult with your hearing specialist to determine the ideal battery type for your model.
It is just as important to handle the batteries carefully. The natural oils, dirt, and moisture on your skin can pass on to the batteries and cause contamination, jeopardizing their functionality and potentially causing damage.
Prior to replacing the battery, make sure your hands are clean and thoroughly dry to keep any moisture from getting into the device.
Stick closely to the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly regarding battery maintenance. Turn off your hearing aid when it’s not being used to preserve battery life and keep it in a safe, dry place. Familiarizing yourself with the battery’s typical lifespan is also helpful.
Make a note on your calendar each time you replace the battery, so you can predict when it will need changing again. To avoid being caught without power, always bring a spare battery with you, especially when you’re away from home.
Guard against moisture
As electronic devices, hearing aids are vulnerable to moisture. Even slight contact can cause harm or total failure of the device. Protect your hearing aid’s performance by acquiring a specialized drying device to maintain its functionality by eliminating moisture. This device provides a safe and dry environment for your hearing aid when not in use, protecting it from damage caused by excessive moisture.
To protect your hearing aid from moisture damage, it’s a good idea to take it out before taking part in activities that make you perspire heavily. Consult taking off your hearing aid to exercise, especially outside, with your hearing specialist, as doing so could jeopardize your safety by reducing your awareness of important auditory cues, such as traffic noises or warning alarms. If possible, choose to exercise inside where it is safer to remove your hearing aid, and make sure to remove your device before showering or swimming.
Moreover, it is suggested to refrain from using spray deodorants, hairspray, and any other aerosol products when your hearing aid is in use. These products contain moisture and chemicals that can build up on the device, leading to long-term damage. Use these products before putting on your hearing aid to reduce exposure.
Prevent excessive ear wax accumulation
Though earwax plays a defensive role by keeping dust, insects, and other foreign particles out of your ears, it can pose a problem for your hearing aid. The accumulation of earwax in the device can result in it not functioning correctly. For correct maintenance, schedule an appointment with your audiologist or doctor to evaluate the amount of earwax build-up and establish a personalized cleaning plan suited to your ears and hearing device.
It is important to clean your ears carefully and never put anything foreign into your ear canal. Instead, allow warm water to flow into your ears during showers, which can help break up and flush away some of the wax. Regular professional ear cleaning is also recommended. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s far less problematic than managing a malfunctioning hearing aid caused by excessive earwax.
To properly clean your hearing aid, carefully adhere to the guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Various kinds of hearing aids may need specific cleaning methods, and using an incorrect technique might damage your device. If you’re unsure about the proper cleaning method, consult your hearing specialist or hearing aid provider to ensure you’re taking the correct steps to protect your device from earwax damage.
Simple steps for continued reliability
Once you get used to using your hearing aids, they become a crucial aspect of your daily routine, making it hard to picture life without them. By taking a few simple precautions, you can prevent damage and ensure your hearing aids continue to be reliable for years to come. Prioritize regular upkeep, store them safely, and handle them with care, ensuring you can continue to reap the benefits of improved communication and a more fulfilling lifestyle.
If you are having troubles with your hearing aid or need to schedule a routine maintenance appointment, please arrange for a visit.